Evaluating and addressing climate change threats to Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Habitat in the East River, Pictou County, Nova Scotia

Abstract

Climate change is threatening the survival of Atlantic salmon in Nova Scotia's East River, East Branch. While the exact effects of climate change can be hard to predict, local projections suggest annual temperatures will continue to rise over the coming decades leading to habitat degradation and the potential for a population collapse. Without a proper climate adaptation strategy, the population of Atlantic salmon in the East River, East Branch is in jeopardy. This study utilized Nova Scotia Adopt-A-Stream HSI protocol to conduct 140 HSI surveys to evaluate 10.4km of salmon habitat throughout the East River East Branch. As well as HSI surveys the study evaluates water temperature data collected through HOBO Water Temperature Loggers. As a whole the reach scored moderately with an HSI score of 0.72. The study also provides insight into the categorical scores of the reach as well as segments. The discussion provides insight into the results of each category as well as general trends throughout the reach. Following the discussion the study provides brief insight into possible restoration options such as river liming, cold water refugia and instream structures which could remedy some of the factors limiting the reaches salmon habitat.